OPINION: Harming the health of refugees for the sake of stopping boats

Opinion article published in The Conversation, written by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (Acting) and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Health and Medicine at University of Newcastle, Professor Nicholas Talley.

Like many other Australians, I am alarmed by the hardening policy positions on asylum seekers of both major political parties. And today, the Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP), of which I am president-elect, has released a public statement about what these policies mean for their health.

Many Australians are concerned about the conditions asylum seekers face while their fate is decided and the impact this will have on their physical and mental health.

Such concerns have been heightened following recent policy announcements by both major parties that aim to put people in detention and resettle them in places where their health will be at risk.